About Gabriel Vernon
There and back again, but the West is still the best.
I've been in the graphic design business for 10 years. In general, my journey began with light freelance work in Southwest Virginia and took me to my first job in Washington, D.C. After three years of the rat-race, I chased my then-girlfriend-now-wife to Portland, Oregon. From that point up to the summer of 2009 we’d been on a five-year plan based on the pursuit of her doctorate.
My time in Portland had a profound effect on me. Leaving all of your friends and family behind alters your world dramatically. It changes relationships and forces you to grow up, if you haven't already. Portland is the best place I've ever lived. I love the people, the environment, the food, the culture, and its effect on the rest of the country. I did my best work there, learned more, and experienced my favorite jobs to date. Portland changed my view of design's purpose, as well as my life view: do things that matter.
After four years, my wife’s internship forced a move to New Jersey that would last a year. Well, the pizza was amazing. I enjoyed the challenge of a lengthy contract position with Jersey's prominent utility company, PSEG. They are an interesting and inspiring group of folks doing their best to push the boundaries of design in a deep corporate atmosphere.
When the five-year plan came to an end, we promptly returned to Virginia and set up shop in Richmond—not as unchecked as D.C. and not as relaxing as Southwest Virginia. Good to be back.
- For a glance at my other inspirations, please visit my Interests page.
- Review my qualifications. Download my resumé.
Associates
James Lyon
My focus has always been centered on doing what I can to enrich my community; I studied government at the University of Virginia, I'm finishing up my Master's in Public Administration at James Madison University, and I have worked with local governments for the past five years. Through all of my studies and experience, I have found that public enterprises and nonprofits can benefit just as much from strong brand positioning as can private businesses.
In this day and age, a strong web presence and identity not only helps organizations serve their clients, but it is also a vital (and often overlooked) fundraising tool for nonprofits. Unfortunately, a strong web presence is something lacking for many nonprofits and small businesses in southwestern Virginia. Being born and raised in this area (and with no plans to leave anytime soon), I have a vested interest in the success of our small businesses and nonprofits. Working with them to build a strong web presence and identity helps them achieve their goals. And when they reach their goals, this area becomes an even better place to live and work. As far as I'm concerned, that's the whole point.
WHAT’S WITH THE RING?
My dad, Gary, got this monogram ring as a kid. Like an old watch, he passed it onto me as a teen. Neither of us have ever worn the ring on account of it not fitting. It wasn't until I became a designer that I gave it a use to accompany its meaning to two guys whose names start with “G.” So, I was lucky enough to develop an identity with a deeper meaning and a tangible representation.
